A common mutation of the novel coronavirus may be more infectious, but appears to be less deadly, according to a prominent infectious diseases doctor.

The D614G mutation found in Europe, North America and parts of Asia has coincided with a drop in death rates, according to Dr Paul Tambyah, senior consultant at the National University of Singapore and president-elect of the International Society of Infectious Diseases.

“Maybe that’s a good thing to have a virus that is more infectious but less deadly,” says Dr Tambyah, adding that most viruses tend to become less virulent as they mutate.

“It is in the virus’ interest to infect more people but not to kill them because a virus depends on the host for food and for shelter.”